Affirmative action supporters say the policy is necessary in order to __ ensure voter equality everywhere promote forms of segregation protect the rights of all White people counter the effects of racial discrimination

## Step 1<br />The problem is a multiple-choice question about the purpose of affirmative action. Affirmative action is a policy that is designed to counteract the effects of racial discrimination and promote diversity in education and employment.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />- ensure voter equality everywhere<br />- promote forms of segregation<br />- protect the rights of all White people<br />- counter the effects of racial discrimination<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The first option, "ensure voter equality everywhere", is not the primary purpose of affirmative action. While affirmative action may indirectly contribute to voter equality, it is not its main focus.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The second option, "promote forms of segregation", is the opposite of what affirmative action aims to achieve. Affirmative action is designed to promote diversity and integration, not segregation.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The third option, "protect the rights of all White people", is also not the primary purpose of affirmative action. Affirmative action is designed to counteract the effects of racial discrimination, which primarily affects minority groups, not White people.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />The fourth option, "counter the effects of racial discrimination", is the correct answer. This is the primary purpose of affirmative action. It is a policy that is designed to counteract the effects of racial discrimination and promote diversity in education and employment.